CINCINNATI

I've written about several Greek families who brought special food to our city.  Well, there is a German family who brought something here besides beer.  I'm talking great pastries this time.  It is the Gottenbusch family.

Wilhelm Gottenbusch's father and grandfather were certified 'master bakers' and operated a pastry shop on Servatii Square in Muenster, Germany.  They called it Cafe Servatii.  When he was old enough, Wilhelm also trained and received his certification as 'master baker'.

Young Wilhelm left Germany on an ocean freighter and worked his way to America.  As an immigrant in 1963, he settled in Cincinnati and immediately opened a bakery on Observatory Avenue in Hyde Park.  He called his place "Servatii Pastry Shop". 

Wilhelm sent his two sons back to Germany to be trained as bakers and pastry makers.  They now are in charge here.  The Gottenbuschs have expanded their business to include deli items, catering and special pretzels.  They have 13 locations in and around Cincinnati.  You can't beat their baked goods.  Try the salted rye bread - delicious.
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